an indispensable step

USAGE SUMMARY

"an indispensable step" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a necessary or crucial step that cannot be skipped or avoided. Example: In order to succeed in the project, conducting thorough research is an indispensable step.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Moving the prisoners is an indispensable step toward closing an extra-legal offshore lockup that has stained this nation's reputation and become a recruitment tool for terrorists.

The New York Times

That is why we must complete the unfinished business of economic and monetary union – and why the European commission has long argued for the creation of a banking union as an indispensable step toward that goal.

The Guardian - Business

Even if using force with restraint meant the mission would take more time or reduce the level of force protection, it was still an indispensable step: a successful counterinsurgency took care and patience.

The New York Times - Magazine

Concept generation is an indispensable step of innovation design.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Cam curve design is an indispensable step for a zoom system design.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

Adequate statistical analysis is an indispensable step during development, evaluation, and revision phases of a model.

Agricultural Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

There are several methods or rules to estimate elastoplastic (EP) notch-tip stresses and strains from simpler linear elastic calculations, an almost indispensable step for practical fatigue damage calculations.

International Journal of Fatigue

Our atlas aims at becoming the reference for the future development of targeted functional studies, a first indispensable step towards the definition of miRNA involvement in grapevine development.

BMC Genomics

Reliability/availability evaluation is an important, often indispensable, step in designing and analyzing (critical) systems, whose importance is constantly growing.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

A basic and indispensable step in phylogenetic study is alignment of the set of homologous sequences [ 4].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The data obtained from this study is also a necessary and indispensable step towards establishment of novel and more efficient models, such as inducible transgenic models of liver cancer.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indispensable step", ensure the context clearly shows why the step is absolutely necessary, not just helpful or recommended.

Common error

Avoid using "an indispensable step" when a less emphatic phrase like "helpful measure" or "useful strategy" would be more accurate. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indispensable step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a particular action or stage as being absolutely necessary. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indispensable step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a critical and unavoidable action. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it effectively highlights the necessity of a particular step in achieving a desired outcome. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase is suitable for formal to neutral settings. When using "an indispensable step", it's important to ensure the context genuinely warrants such strong emphasis, avoiding overstatement and maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a necessary measure

Replaces 'step' with 'measure', indicating a specific action taken to achieve a goal.

a vital component

Emphasizes the importance of the step as a part of a larger process.

a crucial element

Highlights the importance of the step as fundamental and decisive.

a critical move

Indicates an important action with potential consequences.

an essential requirement

Stresses the mandatory nature of the step.

a mandatory procedure

Focuses on the formality and obligation of the step.

an integral part

Suggests the step is inherently linked and necessary for the whole.

a key aspect

Highlights the importance of the step as one of several important factors.

a fundamental action

Emphasizes the basic and foundational nature of the step.

a non-negotiable item

Highlights that the step cannot be omitted or compromised.

FAQs

How can I use "an indispensable step" in a sentence?

You can use "an indispensable step" to highlight a necessary action in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Securing funding is "an indispensable step" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "an indispensable step"?

Alternatives include "a necessary measure", "a crucial element", or "a vital component", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a indispensable step' instead of "an indispensable step"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct article to use before "indispensable" is "an" because "indispensable" starts with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an indispensable step" and "an important step"?

"An indispensable step" implies that the step is absolutely necessary and cannot be skipped, whereas "an important step" suggests that the step is significant but not necessarily crucial for success.